The print and television campaign aimed at gay, bisexual and men on the "down-low" was abruptly terminated on Monday. Lee Carson, the chair of the BGMLC, spoke with Rod 2.0 this morning from Philadelphia. He says that his group was concerned about the campaign from the very beginning. "We expressed our resevations to AACO as early September, when they first contacted us," Carson says, referring to the AIDS Activities Coordinating Office of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. "Given the level of gun violence that particularly impacts African-American men, and, the high HIV rates within our community, the imagery was highly insensitive."

Carson adds, "They don't use these type of images when promoting HIV awaeness to the general population or larger gay community."

The $236,000 PSA project was launched in late May with ads on buses, television and a web site, dontguess.org. Over the weekend, the video and some imagery was pulled from the website. For the time being, the images are still available in PDF format via the advertising agency. Also, some television spots still may be broadcast. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the public affairs coordinator at UPN 57 says "there is no indication of a kill date on any material" given to the station.

"Have You Been Hit" was never a hit with its intended audience. In an era of rising violence against black gay men and black lesbians, using any type of violent imagery to promote HIV awareness is like adding gasoline to a raging fire. Hopefully the city planners can retool the campaign—maybe this time, after some input from the target audience and after scanning the headlines, such as the recent critically-accaimed PSA campaigns in New York City and Los Angeles.

Comments

Hmmmm....I'm not sure I agree with pulling the ad. I think traditional messages of HIV prevention have not worked given the CDC report that 46% of gay black men are positive. It's time to change tactics and imagery.

As I said on Keithbykin.com, this is absolutely ridiculous. THIS IS AN AWESOME CAMPAIGN. It’s on point and does not promote violence. The message is clear and to the “point”: don’t be victims – If you have been “hit”, get tested so that you don’t “hit” someone else. It’s sad that this campaign will not be utilized. I THINK THAT IT’S EXTREMELY POWERFUL and sends a strong message. I can’t understand why Lee Carson and those that support this action does not get the “point”. This is the type of to the point, in your face campaign that’s needed for our youth. None of the other softer campaigns are working.

I still don't know what I think about this. I find it offensive but I'm not the target demographic so my interpretation and feelings would probably not be the same. Seems harsh but if the other messages weren't working and this does it does good in the end.

This add does get attention, but for the wrong reasons. San Francisco is running this "Homoboy.org" campaign, their main slogan is "Dont Be a Bitch, Wear a Condom" My views relfect that of gayshamesf.org and their response. Read this.